As 2026 begins, I’m sincerely aware that many readers feel sad and anxious about world events. The world seems more conflicted and dangerous than it was in 2025. I want to bring you some thoughts from the Bible to encourage your heart and mind for the year ahead.
Three things to inspire you in 2026
1. Focus on the king not the chaos
Geopolitically, the world is troubled. Ultimate joy and peace will only be fully realised when Jesus returns. Yes, the Gospel is certainly true, and sin and death have been defeated. But they have not yet been eliminated. That occurs at the end of the age.
The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that it is easy to get “tangled up” in the wickedness of world events. So, Christian wisdom says to focus on King Jesus.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,” (Hebrews 12:2)
As you start the year, make a conscious effort to spend time with Jesus in prayer and reading. Maybe you could set some new daily habits or return to your old quiet-time routine. Focus on Jesus, your prize, your Savior, and God. Don’t let the world news crowd out the joy and peace of knowing that you are loved, saved, and set apart for God and His purpose in this life and the age to come.
I personally enjoy an annual Bible reading plan, and here is my honest confession – I take 2-3 years to complete it. I’m really happy about this because I feel free to linger and study the things that stand out to me as I go. Hebrews 12 and the Lord’s Prayer are 2 of these passages.
2. Consider the lilies
There is a lot of competition for your attention: your eyes, your ears, and your heart. In 2026, I encourage you to spend more time considering the beauty of creation and the God’s promises to clothe you and provide for you. When Jesus was teaching his followers about the Father’s love and provision in life he pointed them to flowers.
“And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28-29)
The word “consider” means ‘to ponder and learn deeply.’ I want to spend more time ‘noting carefully’ God’s love and provision than pondering the wars, rumours of wars, trade sanctions and unemployment statistics on the news and social media. Let’s not ignore the unpleasant realities of the world, but keep them in proportion. This kind of ‘considering’ leads not only to clarity, but also to peace of heart. This helps avoid being really anxious. Our Heavenly Father knows what we need. (Matthew 6:32)
3. Stay on mission
From the earliest human harm, God has been redeeming and healing our brokenness (Genesis 3:15). His promises and purpose have always been ‘to bless you’ and ‘to bless all the peoples of the earth’ (Genesis 12:2-3).
Your ministry is unique and personal, and includes the everyday faithfulness of getting up and caring for loved ones. We are also part of the big picture of missions – working together to ensure…
“the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
So don’t let the events of this world distract you or discourage you from your daily devotions, your loved ones, or your world mission in 2026. Together we are “eagerly waiting for him,” the reappearance of Christ ‘to bring salvation.’ (Hebrews 9:28) In your ‘eager waiting,’ you are, among many other things, announcing the kingdom to all nations by media! [FEBC vision]
As 2026 picks up pace, be encouraged that as a Christian you are a vital part of the Body of Christ, looking up to Jesus, reigning as King. And as part of the Far East Broadcasting community, you’re bringing His divine blessing to all the nations, by media!
Until all have heard,
Matt
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